Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued his strongest warning yet to armed groups operating in Meru, telling residents the government is preparing a sweeping security operation to “wipe out” bandits who have unsettled parts of the county.
Speaking in Tigania West on Thursday during an economic empowerment forum in Athwana, Kindiki said additional specialised officers and an expanded contingent of National Police Reservists had already been deployed, signalling a renewed push to dismantle the networks behind recurrent attacks and cattle rustling.
“We are going to fix this problem once and for all,” he said. “We will increase security officers in the area and hunt these criminals wherever they are. We will flush them out.”
Kindiki invoked what he described as government successes in the Kerio Valley and in Lamu—two regions that have witnessed prolonged security crackdowns—as proof that similar tactics would be applied in Meru North. Banditry, he added, had become a national challenge requiring a coordinated response beyond local leadership.
“This is a national problem. It is beyond the governor, MP, MCA or any other leader. We are ready, and peace will be restored in Meru,” he said.
The Deputy President also moved to reassure the Mt Kenya region of its place within the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging residents to remain engaged with government despite rising political tensions. He insisted campaign promises made to the area would be honoured.
“We must remain in government to benefit from its programmes because we voted for it. Do not be misled into abandoning a government you fought for,” he told the gathering.
Kindiki said major state-funded developments worth billions of shillings were already underway, including the tarmacking of the Kirindini–Mikinduri and Kunene–Miomponi roads, alongside the construction of modern markets, most of which are nearing completion. He pledged to fast-track ongoing projects to ensure Meru residents see tangible gains.
With the region experiencing prolonged dry spells, the DP also promised relief supplies would be delivered promptly. “We will not let the people suffer. We will support them until the situation eases,” he said.
